@rare_and_unusual_cars

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition ⁣⁣⁣ 5.9-litre V12 ⁣⁣⁣ Producing 565bhp and 620Nm⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ 0-62mph on 3.9 seconds ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ The succesful Vantage came in many different forms, but this particular special edition is perhaps one of the best looking and without doubt the most British.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Just 8 examples were built to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Britian's most iconic plane.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ As such, it features Duxford Green paint, named after the airbase where the first Spitfire Squadron was based, along with distinctive yellow accents to resemble the wing design of the plane. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ There are also other references throughout the car: ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ - My personal favourite being the aerial view of Duxford Aerodrome printed onto the headlining⁣⁣⁣ - Spitfire 80 embroidered headrests ⁣⁣⁣ - Satin carbon fibre rear diffuser and front spoiler ⁣⁣⁣ - Sterling Silver Aston Martin Wing badge ⁣⁣⁣ - Rainbow 'Bloom' tail pipes ⁣⁣⁣ - Sheepskin and saddle leather floor mats, a reference to Irvin flying jackets ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ From a distance, the differences are subtle, but collectively they create my favorite variant of the Vantage from an aesthetic point of view. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ This particular example was listed for sale by Aston Martin specialist @nicholas_mee , check out their page to see the others cars they currently have for sale. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Which is your favourite Vantage variant? ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #rarecars #astonmartin #astonmartinvantage #v12vantage #v12 #v12vantagespitfire #spitfire80 #supercars #spitfire #motorsport #royalairforce #uniquecars #carspotting #carphotography #cars ⁣⁣⁣

2021-04-03

Renault 5 GT Turbo 113 bhp and 165 Nm 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds The 5 GT Turbo was born in the first golden era of Hot Hatches and rivalled other icons such the 205 GTi and Fiesta XR2. The use of Turbocharging was the main thing that differentiated the 5 from the pack. It originally had a Garrett T2 air-cooled turbo fitted to a 1.4 litre, 8 valve pushrod engine. Water-cooling was introduced for the phase 2 facelifts (like the one pictured), as well as a new ignition system which increased power to 118 hp and allowed the engine to rev higher. Combined with a low weight of only 850kg, the resultant performance was certainly impressive. To put things into perspective, the E30 325i of the day was quicker to 60 by only 0.2 seconds. Straight line performance aside, the GT 5 was also a revered driver’s cars. This was partly due to the combination of a sharp rack and pinion steering system, McPherson struts, lowered ride height, widened track, stabiliser front suspension and semi-rigid axle with 4 torsion bar rear suspension. It’s a shame that the attributes that made these cars great, became the the very reason why so few of them exist in clean and original condition. The 5 had great tuning potential, so many were modified by those who wanted to to go even faster. The car pictured is one of those few rare examples and belongs to @tur_bros . Check out their page to see other pictures of this car, as well their MG Metro Turbo which will feature in a future post. So, what was your favourite hot hatch of the 80’s? #renault #renault5 #renault5gt #renault5gtturbo #gtturbo #5gtturbo #classiccars #rarecars #rareclassiccars #classicrenault #hothatch #hothatches #hothatchback #modernclassic #automotivedesign #trackcar #mgmetroturbo #metroturbo #turbo #mg #frenchhothatch #renaultsport #motorsport #cars

2020-08-16

Jannarelly Design-1 Limited to 499 units 3.5 litre (Nissan sourced) V6 Producing 325bhp and 371 Nm 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds This hand built, two seater Roadster is described by Jannarelly as “Retro-Futuristic” for the way it blends old school design with modern materials. Driver involvement and minimal technological interference are some of the key promises. On paper, it seems to deliver just that with a rear mid-engine layout, rear wheel drive, 6 speed manual transmission and a weight of only 810Kg! You will not find ABS or airbags, and traction control is an optional extra. It is constructed using a steel tubular chassis and owners have the option of choosing between a fibreglass or carbon body. To help navigate corners, it comes with an unassisted rack from the Lotus Elise, adjustable coils over dampers, an optional LSD, 4 point harness, as well as front and rear double wishbone suspension. The disc brakes are ventilated and come with Wilwood calipers; 4 pistons at the front and 2 at the rear. I came across this car whilst browsing @germaniac and recommend paying a visit to see other interesting cars. What are your thoughts, are you a fan of this car? #Design1 #Jannarelly #Jannarellydesign1 #classiccars #rarecars #carspotting #v6 #nissan #nissanv6 #carphotgraphy #automotivephotography #restomod #trackcar #trackday #sportscar #supercar @jannarelly #cars #carsoftheday #uniquecars

2020-08-08

Lynx Eventer Shooting Brake 6.0 litre V12 Producing 304 bhp and 476 Nm Jaguar didn’t start making estates cars until the introduction of the X-type. So back in 1983, Lynx began producing the Eventer Shooting Brake in very small numbers mostly based on the XJS V12 Coupe. In total, 67 of these cars were built, of which 15 are believed to be facelift examples. The conversions would take around 14 weeks, and cost close to £7k, which was a considerable amount given the £21k list price for the XJS. The price was the result of the labour intensive process, entirely new roof, rear body panels, glass and internal trim changes. In addition, they also had to relocate the fuel tank, make changes to the rear suspension and move the rear seats back. The end product was a 3 door V12 estate which had additional leg room, better visibility and seats that folded to provide 6 feet of luggage space. The car pictured was spotted by @benzinarchive . Check out his page to see other rare cars. #Jaguar #jaguarxjs #jaguarxjcoupe #xjs #xjsv12 #v12 #classicjaguar #sportscar #estatecar #sleepercars #shootingbrake #lynxeventer #classiccars #rarecars #carspotting #jaguarv12 #xjscoupe #carphotgraphy #automotivephotography

2020-08-03

M635CSi (M6) 3.5 litre straight-six Producing 286bhp and 367Nm The E24 was the first 6-series produced and had an impressive production run of 13 years; one of the longest for BMW. The M635CSi was introduced in 1983 and only 524 righthand drive examples were ever produced. In some markets, the car was sold as the M6, but interestingly, this model featured a detuned S38 engine, rather than M88 found in the M635CSi. To increase power, it received higher compression, changes to the injection and ignition system, as well as four valves per cylinder, instead of the two found in the standard cars. The engine was essentially a refined and more powerful version of the one found in the mighty M1. It was given a limited-slip differential, tweaked suspension, bigger brakes and better weight distribution to cope with the increased power. For an interesting comparison, the M635CSi could do 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds, only 0.2 seconds slower than Ferrari 328 GTS of the day! The car also enjoyed motorsport success, winning various endurance races, as well as 3 overall European Touring Car Championships. It’s worth noting that this model was produced during an era when M cars were still mostly hand-made. Combine this with iconic looks, impressive performance, racing success and it’s no surprise that this was one the most highly regarded cars of the 1980s. The car pictured was sold at @oldcolonelcars . Check out their page to see other great cars for sale. #m635csi #bmwm635csi #e24 #m6 #e24m6 #mcars #rarecars #classiccars #grandtourer #m88 #m1 #bmw1 #classicbmw #carphotography #modernclassic #touringcars #carsoftheday #6series #bmw #motorsport

2020-08-01

Saab 9-2X Aero Today’s post is perhaps best summed up by the Instagram name of the owner - @undercoverwrx . The first time I came across this car it seemed like I should know what it was, yet I had no idea. The face definitely resembled a Saab, and despite being familiar, the body was unlike any Saab I recognised. After a little reading, I came to find out that the 9-2X was born when a Saab and a Subaru decided to have a baby. The model is built upon the chassis of the WRX wagon and some of the models even feature the infamous 4 cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine! It also adopted the same all-wheel-drive system, thus making it the first production Saab to do so. It received mechanical tweaks such as stiffer springs, softer damping and a faster steering rack. The engineers attempted to refine it further with increased sound proofing, aesthetic improvements to the interior and even active head restraints for better safety. It’s a shame that GM decided to only produce this model for the North American market and deprive the rest of us from potentially owning this awesome car. Check out @undercoverwrx for more great pictures. Are you a fan? #saab #saabaero #saab92x #saab9-2x #sleepercars #rarecars #cars #carsoftheday #subaru #wrx #subaruwrx #saabnation #carphotography #automotivephotography #swedishcars #92xaero #saab92xaero #subaruwrx #wrxsti #saabaru #imprezawrx

2020-07-31

The BMW Alpina B10 V8 was based on the 4.4 litre E39 BMW 540i and despite sharing the same platform, the Alpina received some significant upgrades. For example, BMW cast a completely new block for the Alpina which increased displacement to 4.6 litres; power rose to 347 bhp and torque increased to 480Nm. Claimed 0-62 mph time was 5.9 seconds, however some tests clocked it at 5.4 seconds. Other notable changes included modified, camshaft, valves, inlets, new crankshaft, lighter connecting rods, different engine control unit and higher compression Mahle pistons. In the handling department, it received twin-tube gas pressure shocks, ventilated brake discs, lower ride height and new anti-roll bars. The B10s are rare cars and only 231 4.6 litre V8 models were sold in the UK. The one pictured is currently advertised for sale by @oldcolonelcars . Check their page and website to see other great cars. What do you think of the colour combination? #alpina #alpinaclassic #modernclassic #bmw #bmwalpina #v8 #m5 #e39 #b10 #aplinab10 #e34 #rarecars #supercars #sportscar #trackcar #motorsport #supersaloon #automotivephotography #automotive #jdm #germancar #mpower #carsoftheday #5series #e60 #e90 #e46 #e30 #oldcolonelcars

2020-07-19

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA One of 318 left in the U.K. - of which only 169 are on the road (according to howmanyleft.co.uk) 3.2 litre V6 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds 250 hp and 300 Nm. Hot hatches are more popular than ever before, but how many are rising in value? The rare and polarising 147 is one of them. It was part of the last generation of Alfas to receive the Busso V6, and it is mainly this engine that 147 will be remembered for; a glorious sounding and beautiful looking Italian masterpeice. The power plant also made the 147 the fastest and most powerful car in it's segment at the time of release. The GTA model was treated to subtle, yet very effective cosmetic changes that gave it a more aggresive and muscular appearance than the regular 147. The suspension is similar to the standard model - high double wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear. Despite the same basic layout, it was improved with lower ride height, new geometry and uprated components. The brakes were upgarded to 4 pot Brembo. The one pictured is currently being advertised by Vogue Auto Group for £9,995. Check out their website to see more pictures: www.vogueautogroup.co.uk #alfaromeo #147gta #brussov6 #v6 #hothatch #hatchback #rarecars #supercars #sportscar #trackcar #motorsport #automotivedesign #rarecars #italiancars #carsforsale #modernclassic #futureclassic #caroftheday #carspotting #alfaromeo147gta #modified #carsofinstagram #alfaromero147gta #156gta

2020-07-15

Porsche 928 GT 146 left in the U.K. - of which only 58 are on the road (according to Howmanyleft.com) 5.0 V8 326bhp - 430 Nm 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds Today it seems unthinkable that Porsche would replace the 911, but in 1978 that is exactly what they intended with the production of the 928. For the new flagship, Porsche chose a V8, which was in fact the first V8 they fitted to a production car. As the model moved through it’s nearly 2 decades of production, it saw engine capacity incrementally grow from 4.5 litres to eventually 5.4 litres as newer variants were introduced. The car was very well received and was praised for the combination of performance, comfort, looks and serious handling abilities. The combination of these attributes culminated in the 928 winning the European Car of The year, which at the time was very rare for a performance machine. This was a capable grand-touring car that could also tackle the twisty roads, thanks to 50/50 weight distribution, Weissach rear axel, rear-wheel steering system and a limited slip differential. Interestingly later models received a 959 inspired LSD, which Porsche named PSD. The immaculate example pictured belongs to @velvethammer928gt and is painted in Velvet Red Metallic, which would’ve been a special order. Jarrod has now owned the car for 14 years. Check out @velvethammer928gt to see other great pictures. #porsche #porsche928 #928gt #928 #porsche928gt #rarecars #sportscars #supercars #v8 #grandtourer #carphotgraphy #cars #carsoftheday #classiccars #motorsport #938gts #porscheclassic #classicporsche #porsche928gts #porschemoment #porschelife #porschelovers

2020-07-11